My Good Buddy Arnel

Back when your good buddy +Trance+ was a "cherryboy", I was advised by Jimmy Regina to "make sure you ask that ARNEL pick you up if you're staying at the Orchid Inn". Like the good little sheep that I was at the time, I made sure that when I made my reservations, I included a hotel pick-up and that Arnel specifically be the one to pick me up. Now, I had been in the Philippines before, but never to AC. I still felt like a damned rookie though and was somewhat skeptical about my vacation. If you read my cherry trip report, you will know that A LOT of guys came up claiming to be my driver, but Arnel was able to pick me out of the crowd and (because I saw his picture before) I knew it was him. Fast-forward 3+ years, and Arnel and I are still friends and he is still driving, just not for Orchid Inn anymore...actually for himself, his own company. When he informed me of this move in his career, I immediately offered to help out because I felt that he provided GREAT service and was one driver I KNEW I could depend on to refer to my readers!

The rates are comparable to the hotel pick-up service rates. The difference is this, Arnel actually functions on "U.S. Time". If you are new to the Philippines, what this means is that he is never "fashionably late" aka "Island Time". He will typically arrive 15-30 minutes AHEAD of your scheduled time and be waiting for you. In the 3 years I have been utilizing his services he has never been late. Not once, not for anything, rain or shine.

I should mention that PIatNight doesn't receive any commission from putting his service up. I am doing this strictly for Arnel and because of the amount of frustrated tourists that I have seen waiting for their ride stressing out about their flight.

If you want beer or anything of the sort for your ride from NAIA to Angeles City, simply make the request and Arnel will be happy to oblige your request (no extra charge, you just pay for the beverage cost). Arnel can also bring your girlfriend (if she is in Angeles) to the airport for you at no additional charge if you give him advance notice! I should also mention that Arnel's van can seat up to 6 grown men comfortably, with room for 3 "smaller" people (girlfriends?) His van for transport is a BRAND NEW Starex Van with dual air-conditioning.

His rates for transportation are as follows:

• Manila Airport (NAIA) to Angeles City (1.5-2hrs): P2,600 ($51 USD)
• Angeles City to Subic Bay (1.5hrs): P2,000 ($38 USD)
• Angeles City to Batangas (Puerto Galera) (4hrs): P4,400 ($80 USD)
  
  
  E-mail for pickup: Arnel@piadventures.com
• Cellphone: 011-63-919-468-3760 (international) 0919-468-3760 (locally)

*Note: Other areas are available for transportation. Simply email your inquiry for the rate.